The Midlife Fashionista: black pumps

Thanksgiving and the tie neck blouse

I can't believe that Thanksgiving is next week! Where does the time go?

Whether you're hosting the feast or visiting family, here's a simple yet elegant outfit idea.

Setting the table at Gianna Interiors (no, my table never looks this good in real life!) wearing an olive silk tie front blouse and 7 for All Mankind slim illusion high-waisted black jeans. These stretchy jeans expand exceptionally well to accommodate overeating, which I plan to do a lot of.

I love the feminine detail of this blouse. Yes, you can "tie it in a knot or tie it in a bow", but I prefer to let the pieces hang. It's not as "prim and proper" this way and maybe even a bit sexier.

I paired this outfit with comfy black pumps and a fabulous animal print patent leather bag.

My bag was a boutique find --similar here.

Notice the beautiful Christmas decorations in the background.

Just FIVE more shopping weekends until the big day! Scary isn't it?

Earrings by Luxa Jewelry. I love their unique chandeliers because they're very lightweight and don't pull on my earlobes.

Pumpkins anyone?

Have a fantastic Thanksgiving!

Thanks to Gianna Interiors for letting us shoot in their beautiful space.

Also a huge thank you to my photographer/bestie Cathleen Trainor.

Need some help with your wardrobe (I do distance coaching too!)

www.agreatnewlook.com

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Friday, November 20, 2015
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A vest for all seasons

black pumps

I'm in love with Covered Perfectly's Cascading Vest...so much so that I now own two of them!

Let me list the reasons:

1. This vest is perfect for traveling It's so lightweight (takes up almost no space in the suitcase) and it's wrinkle-free. Travel perfection!

2. It gives coverage in all the right places--especially around the tummy where I need it!

3. It changes up the simplest of outfits. I wear this vest with just about everything from a dress to leggings. It's the perfect accessory.

4. It's flowy and feminine and it comes in so many beautiful prints as well as solid black.

5. Tie it around the waist, belt it or wear it loose....it's so versatile!

I'm wearing Covered Perfectly's Cascading Vest in Black Floral. I've paired it with their

Simple Comfort micromodal tee-- one of the softest and most comfortable tees you'll ever own. I love the 3/4 length sleeves and the slightly loose fit.

So if your'e looking for a fun piece to jazz up your wardrobe, check out this vest....oh and did I mention that you can even wear it around your neck as a scarf?

As a Midlife Fashionista follower, you can receive 20% on any purchase up to two items. Just use discount code GNL20 at check out. OR, take advantage of the
“Buy 2 Get 1 FREE Special"

Need some help with your wardrobe (I do distance coaching too!)

www.agreatnewlook.com

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Tuesday, November 10, 2015
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The quilted sweatshirt and structured bag

black pumps

I love easy casual pieces that can effortlessly transition from day to night like this quilted sweatshirt . (see links to other styles below). The thick soft fabric makes it cozy and warm and the quilted design jazzes things up a bit (a huge step-up from the gym sweatshirt!). I've worn this piece with everything from sneakers and jeans to leather pants and heels!

Here I've paired the sweatshirt with DL skinny black jeans (from Dresscode Andover), classic black pumps, a long tassel necklace and this gorgeous VÄSKA bag (from La Mia Moda Boutique). If skinny jeans aren't your thing, check out straight or bootcut styles.

Let's talk about this bag for a moment because it's so amazing.

Allow me to introduce you to VÄSKA bags... minimalist structured handbags that are all handcrafted.

If you're looking for a bag that will last forever and always stay in style, this is your baby.

I'm in love...sigh!

So the moral of this story is to add a few stylish sweatshirts to your fall wardrobe--you will get so much use out of them!

Here are some others that I like (all reasonably priced)...here, here and here.

Happy Columbus Day everyone!

XO Susan

All photos shot by the amazing Cathleen Trainor at Gianna Interiors in North Andover, MA

Check out their stunning showroom!

Need some help with your wardrobe (I do distance coaching too!)

www.agreatnewlook.com

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Sunday, October 11, 2015
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The lattice jacket

Banana Republic

I recently taped a television segment for (NECN) at Thirty Petals Boutique in Belmont, MA. I've known the owner Erica for many years now --she is truly one of the sweetest people ever, and her boutique reflects all of her special qualities. Thirty Petals is a warm and inviting store that makes you feel at home the minute you walk through the door. The clothes and accessories are unique, reasonably priced and different from the mainstream piece you'll find in the large department stores.

While at Thirty Petals, I fell in love with this Joseph Ribkoff black lattice jacket. We all need that one special piece that makes a statement and this jacket is it! The mix of leather and sheer detailing gives it sophistaction with a bit of an edge (I also love the lightweight arm coverage!). I'll be wearing this jacket in other blogs to show off it's versatility...here I've paired with a simple white dress and black pumps.

Can I fix you a drink? Don't worry, I didn't really drink on the job.

This stunning black and white MR. bag pulls the color scheme together nicely (find the line here).This outfit can easily transition from work to dinner out.

Checking out all the amazing treasures at Dayton Home where we shot this blog.

This works so much better than my readers!

The detail on this jacket is incredible and I love that it will go with everything from jeans to a little black dress. Take a trip over to Thirty Petals in Belmont, MA to try it on for yourself. Mention I sent you for 20% off your purchase! Happy shopping!

Watch by Michele

Ring David Yurman

All photos shot at Dayton Home in Wellesley, MA where you will find a stunning collection of home furnishings. Thank you to Lynn Dayton for letting me turn her store into a photography studio!

Photography by the amazing Cathleen Trainor who makes playing dress-ups extra fun.

Need some help with your fall wardrobe (I do distance coaching too!)

www.agreatnewlook.com

For more wardrobe inspiration follow me on:

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Sunday, August 30, 2015
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A new line to try

black jacket

If you're looking for a new line to try that's made in the U.S., fits WOMEN not girls, feels SO good on and is reasonably priced--then let me introduce you to Fabrizio-Gianni.

I discovered this line a few months ago and ended up trying their "Shop & DASH" program where you can order 4 or more items to try on in the privacy of your own home. Whatever you like, you can purchase. Everything else goes back postage paid--shopping doesn't get much easier than this!

Usually when I order over the internet I end up keeping just a few pieces. But not this time...almost everything fit like it was made for me!

I'm going to use a lot of caps in this blog because I want to emphasize how much LOVE this line. These Chelsea cropped white jeans are so comfortable! They're slim cut but not skin-tight and they don't wrinkle! They also make several different style pants and jeans, so there's something for every body type.

Fabrizio-Gianni's tops are the best....really really great. I love the color of this 3/4 sleeve jersey knit top in Strawberry Tang. The color is so vibrant and looks fabulous with denim or white. There is just enough looseness around the mid-section to be comfortable without looking baggy.

Denim jackets can be boxy, but not this one (which I ordered in denim and black --see below).

Their jackets not only have a ton of stretch (so they move with you,) but also have great lines that hug your body and give you shape. And did I mention that they're SUPER comfy?

Here's the black version paired with the white jeans.

You can bend, stretch, sit and breathe in these jeans....COMFORTABLY!

I also love this tassel necklace ---it comes in a set with one longer and one shorter necklace. You can wear them as a pair or on their own. It comes in a variety of beautiful colors.

If you would like to try Fabrizio-Gianni's Shop & DASH program click here for details.

For regular orders (Shop & DASH excluded), use code fabgsk15 for a 15% discount!

Special thanks to the amazing Emily O'Brien who is such a talented and gifted photographer.

Check out her website!

http://www.emilyobrienphoto.com

and follow her on Facebook

Need some help with your wardrobe (I do distance coaching too!)

www.agreatnewlook.com

For more wardrobe inspiration follow me on:

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Friday, August 14, 2015
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Covered to perfection

Banana Republic

You know how difficult it is to find the perfect tee? It's especially tough to find one that's long enough to wear with leggings. And then there's the arm thing...not all of us midlifers are comfortable baring our arms-- and it seems that everything is sleeveless these days! Well, I have the perfect solution.

I discovered a company called Covered Perfectly and all of their tops have SLEEVES!
I am in love with their "simple comfort" top---the scoop neck is so flattering and just perfect to wear with jackets. It's fitted, but has just the right touch of looseness around the middle so it doesn't cling. And I love how soft it is...the micromodal fabric feels incredible.

I paired the "simple comfort" tee (comes in a zillion colors!) with Covered Perfectly's

"cascading vest", which comes in a variety of prints as well as solid black. This vest is fabulous--it's lightweight enough to wear in the summer and it flows beautifully!